Shorebirds Lose Lead, Fall 10-8 in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- The Delmarva Shorebirds got off to a great start on Thursday night, but the Hagerstown Suns stormed back for a 10-8 final. Delmarva (7-8, 40-43) jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the early innings, but Hagerstown scored nine unanswered runs for the comeback victory.

The Shorebirds' offense impressed early against Suns' starter Mario Sanchez. Ademar Rifaela and Logan Uxa belted doubles for a run in the opening frame. Delmarva scored more four runs in the second inning, highlighted by Rifaela's towering three-run blast off the flagpole beyond the Shorebirds' bullpen.

Suns' reliever Sam Johns and manager Patrick Anderson were both ejected in the fourth inning, after Johns threw behind Rifaela. Delmarva built up their advantage to 6-1 with Wilkerson scoring on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth.

Hagerstown began their comeback just past the halfway point. Shorebirds' starter Brian Gonzalez allowed the first four batters to reach before being pulled in the fifth. Matthew Page hit a two-run single off Mike Burke to bring the Suns back within a single tally, 6-5.

The comeback was complete in the sixth and seventh inning. Conor Keniry hit a game-tying solo home run in the sixth. Hagerstown scored four runs off Stefan Crichton in the seventh, taking the lead on a two-run single by David Masters.

Just like the series opener, Delmarva threatened in the ninth but ultimately fell short. Base hits by Uxa, Cam Kneeland and Yermin Mercedes started the rally with two runs. With the tying run at the plate, Hagerstown made a pitching change. Closer David Napoli induced a double play, then a strikeout to finish the game.

Delmarva will try to get back in the win column on Friday night. Right-hander Lucas Long (2-2, 4.18) will take the hill for Delmarva against left-hander Connor Bach (2-1, 3.21). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Municipal Stadium.